Finishing the Race
Of all the games instituted among the Greeks and the Romans, the races were the most ancient and the most highly esteemed … The contests were governed by strict regulations, from which there was no appeal. Those who desired their names entered as competitors for the prize had first to undergo a severe preparatory training. Harmful indulgence of appetite, or any other gratification that would lower mental or physical vigour, was strictly forbidden. For one to have any hope of success in these trials of strength and speed, the muscles must be strong and supple, and the nerves well under control. Every movement must be certain, every step swift and unswerving; the physical powers must reach the highest mark.
Of all the games instituted among the Greeks and the Romans, the races were the most ancient and the most highly esteemed … The contests were governed by strict regulations, from which there was no appeal. Those who desired their names entered as competitors for the prize had first to undergo a severe preparatory training. Harmful indulgence of appetite, or any other gratification that would lower mental or physical vigour, was strictly forbidden. For one to have any hope of success in these trials of strength and speed, the muscles must be strong and supple, and the nerves well under control. Every movement must be certain, every step swift and unswerving; the physical powers must reach the highest mark.
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hosts shall be upon everyone that is proud and lofty, and upon everyone that is lifted up; and<br />
he shall be brought low." "In that day a man shall cast <strong>the</strong> idols of his silver, and <strong>the</strong> idols of<br />
his gold, which <strong>the</strong>y made each one for himself to worship, to <strong>the</strong> moles and to <strong>the</strong> bats; to<br />
go into <strong>the</strong> clefts of <strong>the</strong> rocks, and into <strong>the</strong> tops of <strong>the</strong> ragged rocks, for fear of <strong>the</strong> Lord, and<br />
for <strong>the</strong> glory of His majesty, when He ariseth to shake terribly <strong>the</strong> earth." Isaiah 2:10-12, 20,<br />
21, margin.<br />
Through a rift in <strong>the</strong> clouds <strong>the</strong>re beams a star whose brilliancy is increased fourfold in<br />
contrast with <strong>the</strong> darkness. It speaks hope and joy to <strong>the</strong> faithful, but severity and wrath to<br />
<strong>the</strong> transgressors of God's law. Those who have sacrificed all for Christ are now secure,<br />
hidden as in <strong>the</strong> secret of <strong>the</strong> Lord's pavilion. They have been tested, and before <strong>the</strong> world<br />
and <strong>the</strong> despisers of truth <strong>the</strong>y have evinced <strong>the</strong>ir fidelity to Him who died for <strong>the</strong>m. A<br />
marvellous change has come over those who have held fast <strong>the</strong>ir integrity in <strong>the</strong> very face of<br />
death. They have been suddenly delivered from <strong>the</strong> dark and terrible tyranny of men<br />
transformed to demons. Their faces, so lately pale, anxious, and haggard, are now aglow<br />
with wonder, faith, and love. Their voices rise in triumphant song: "God is our refuge and<br />
strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though <strong>the</strong> earth be<br />
removed, and though <strong>the</strong> mountains be carried into <strong>the</strong> midst of <strong>the</strong> sea; though <strong>the</strong> waters<br />
<strong>the</strong>reof roar and be troubled, though <strong>the</strong> mountains shake with <strong>the</strong> swelling <strong>the</strong>reof." Psalm<br />
46:1-3.<br />
While <strong>the</strong>se words of holy trust ascend to God, <strong>the</strong> clouds sweep back, and <strong>the</strong> starry<br />
heavens are seen, unspeakably glorious in contrast with <strong>the</strong> black and angry firmament on<br />
ei<strong>the</strong>r side. The glory of <strong>the</strong> celestial city streams from <strong>the</strong> gates ajar. Then <strong>the</strong>re appears<br />
against <strong>the</strong> sky a hand holding two tables of stone folded toge<strong>the</strong>r. Says <strong>the</strong> prophet: "The<br />
heavens shall declare His righteousness: for God is judge Himself." Psalm 50:6. That holy<br />
law, God's righteousness, that amid thunder and flame was proclaimed from Sinai as <strong>the</strong><br />
guide of life, is now revealed to men as <strong>the</strong> rule of judgment. The hand opens <strong>the</strong> tables, and<br />
<strong>the</strong>re are seen <strong>the</strong> precepts of <strong>the</strong> Decalogue, traced as with a pen of fire. The words are so<br />
plain that all can read <strong>the</strong>m. Memory is aroused, <strong>the</strong> darkness of superstition and heresy is<br />
swept from every mind, and God's ten words, brief, comprehensive, and authoritative, are<br />
presented to <strong>the</strong> view of all <strong>the</strong> inhabitants of <strong>the</strong> earth.<br />
It is impossible to describe <strong>the</strong> horror and despair of those who have trampled upon<br />
God's holy requirements. The Lord gave <strong>the</strong>m His law; <strong>the</strong>y might have compared <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
characters with it and learned <strong>the</strong>ir defects while <strong>the</strong>re was yet opportunity for repentance<br />
and reform; but in order to secure <strong>the</strong> favour of <strong>the</strong> world, <strong>the</strong>y set aside its precepts and<br />
taught o<strong>the</strong>rs to transgress. They have endeavoured to compel God's people to profane His<br />
Sabbath. Now <strong>the</strong>y are condemned by that law which <strong>the</strong>y have despised. With awful<br />
distinctness <strong>the</strong>y see that <strong>the</strong>y are without excuse. They chose whom <strong>the</strong>y would serve and<br />
worship. "Then shall ye return, and discern between <strong>the</strong> righteous and <strong>the</strong> wicked, between<br />
him that serveth God and him that serveth Him not." Malachi 3:18.<br />
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